I do my eyeshadow first, if I’m actually putting some effort into an eye look. Actually I’ll start off with eyebrows, so when I use concealer and/or a base on my lids, I can use a flat brush with the same product to clean up my brow shape at the same time.

It depends on what it is, honestly. For example, my husband has gifted me a few high end eyeshadow palettes, but it was known that I really wanted them. It was wonderful, because even though I really wanted these eyeshadows, I probably wouldn’t have bought them for myself, especially at Christmas time, when the focus is shopping for others.

However, if he had gifted me some random products I hadn’t previously expressed interest in, it would be a little weird. I’d probably feel obligated to use them, even if they weren’t my taste or not things I regularly use in my makeup routine. So if you want to do this, I think you’d have to do a little detective work to find out what she really wants/needs for makeup. Like you wouldn’t want to get a bright eyeshadow palette for someone who only wears neutral shades.

I’ve only tried lipsticks from Huda and Mac. Huda has or had some matte liquid lipsticks that stay put foreverrrr, that I really liked. I’m not sure about mascaras, but I do know that I have no problem finding an acceptable mascara at Walmart for under 15. Mascara is also something one might have a certain preference for. For example, I hate waterproof mascara, but for some people, it’s all they use.

Do you use an eye primer? A good, sticky one might help your eyeshadow stay in place better. It could also be your eyeshadow too. I’ve had some pallettes where it seems like the shades “travel” on my face a lot more than others.

Yeah. Really dramatic eyeshadow looks. Bright colors, dark colors, all the colors. They used to be part of my everyday routine, and I think I was kinda good at it? But I lost my pizazz for it after some time. It just feels like too much when I do attempt it now, unless it’s for going out or something. I prefer either a more toned down smokey eye, or even just a small wing with minimal other products on my eyes. I just found myself gravitating towards doing less, after years of doing the full beat every day.